By Jenny Zeller
Coming to 2022 CONNECT: InterPlanetary Motions: sun/moon – shadows/wave by Sonja Hinrichsen, 2022 Artist in Residence
Located along the backside of Lake Nevin, this experimental installation connects us to the greater universe – the sun, the moon, and our galactic movement.
AIR Sonja Hinrichsen is an environmental installation artist from Oakland, CA, who creates large-scale outdoor ephemeral works through community-participatory art events.
For this installation, Bernheim volunteers painted the shadow lines of the wooded tree lot in 30-minute intervals as the sun moved throughout the day, creating jagged and undulating effects that indicate the earth’s rotation against the stationary sun. Shadow lines resemble waves in water, which move in accordance with the pull and push of the moon, honoring Lake Nevin and the full moon taking place at this year’s CONNECT event.
During the daylight hours, the lines will inspire curiosity as the image reveals itself in waves of reflection as one walks past. At night, the installation will be activated by the audience with their movement and use of flashlights, animating the wavy patterns that glow when illuminated. Sonja and volunteers will station either end of the installation, acting as interpreters and providing blacklight flashlights to guests for experiencing the work.
This ephemeral site-specific installation is made from water-soluble, non-toxic paint, and disappears with rain, sun, and growth. Within a few weeks, the site will return to its original state.
The Artist in Residence program has attracted artists from around the world who seek to use Bernheim as their inspiration. Established in 1980, this internationally renowned program annually awards artists the opportunity to live and create site-specific work inspired by their total immersion experience in the natural environment. Work created through the program allows our visitors to connect with nature in new and exciting ways.